Paramedic Program

In September 2024, Exeter Hospital unexpectedly ended its long-running paramedic intercept service, which had supported 15 local towns for more than 30 years. At that time, the Stratham Fire Department operated at the Advanced EMT (AEMT) level and relied entirely on Exeter ALS for paramedic coverage.

In response to this sudden regional need, Stratham Fire began the work of establishing its own paramedic program. As part of this effort, former Exeter ALS paramedic Hearshell VanLuven was hired as the department’s Paramedic Coordinator and first full-time employee. In this role, he played a key part in guiding the department through the process of becoming licensed, equipped, and staffed to provide paramedic-level care.

Today, Stratham Fire has a team of seven experienced paramedics providing daytime Advanced Life Support (ALS) coverage to the community. This expanded capability allows us to respond more effectively to medical emergencies in Stratham while also strengthening mutual aid support for neighboring towns. Our long-term goal is to grow toward 24/7 paramedic coverage, ensuring consistent access to high-quality emergency medical care for our residents.

What’s the Difference?

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
EMTs provide essential emergency care, patient assessment, and safe transport. They form the foundation of the EMS system and are often the first medical providers on scene.

Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians (AEMTs)
AEMTs build on EMT training with additional skills such as IV therapy and a limited set of advanced medications, enhancing prehospital care capabilities.

Paramedics
Paramedics represent the highest level of prehospital emergency medical training. They are trained to perform advanced medical procedures, administer a broad range of life-saving and comfort-focused medications, interpret cardiac rhythms and diagnostic findings, and make complex clinical decisions in the field. Paramedics bring many of the initial capabilities of the emergency department directly to the patient, delivering critical care in the moment and improving outcomes before hospital arrival.